Stacking machine



R. A. KuNz, JR 2,781,702

sTAcxING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 19, 1957 Filed March 1e, 195s Feb. 19, 1957 R. A. KuNz, JR 2,781,702

STACKING MACHINE Filed March 16, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Figi Feb. I9, 1957 R. A. KuNz, JR 2,781,702

sTAcKING MACHINE f' Filed March 1e, 1953 :s sheets-sheet 3 o 228 24v l l 249 7 |65 x76 229 '223 f 242 72 Z 103 271 217 25| 252 1/ i224 o o v lnvenjfor Rudolph .1/\unz1r By A110111 eye United States Patent STACKING MACHINE Rudolph A. Kunz', Jr., St. Paul, Minn.

Application March 16, 1953, Serial No. 342,405

4 Claims. (Cl. 93-93) The herein disclosed invention relates to sheet gatheringmachines and hasl for an object tofprovide a stacking machine for use with sheet gathering machines and by means of which the assembled sets of sheet-s delivered by the gathering machine may be arranged in stacks.

Another object of the invention resides in providing a stacking machine in which a predetermined number of sets-of sheets are deposited in. each stack and the stacks removed as soon as they desired number of sets have been deposited.

An object of the invention resides in providing a stackingy machine having a repository in whichy the sheets to be stacked are deposited and in further providing a feed mechanism for delivering the sets of sheets from the gathtering machine and depositing them in the repository.

Another object of the invention residesy in providing side and end joggers for jogging theV sets into register as they same are placed on the' stack.

A still further object of the invention resides in providing a magazine to which thev completed' stack is transferred andfrom which the stack iszmanuallyr removed.

Another object of the inventionresides in providing a delivery mechanism for transferring. the stock from the repository to the magazine.

An object of the invention desiresin providing a counter actuated by the sets movedaby the feed mechanism, and a motor for operating. said delivery mechanism and actuated by saidcounter.

Another object of the invention... resides in providing a brake for stopping said delivery mechanism upon 'delivery lof Athe stackto the magazine.

A still further object of` the'invention resides in providing electrical circuits for controlling'theactuation and functioning ofk theY various elements ofthe invention.

Other objects of the invention reside in thev novel com bination and arrangement. of partsV and. in'.y the details of construction hereinafter illustrated* and/r described.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a planview'of a stacking'machine illustrating an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of thestructure shown in Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a plan sectional view taken on line 3-3-of Fig. 2 and drawn to a greaterscale.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentaryI elevational? sectionalv View taken on line 4-4 of Fig.. 1 and drawn-.to a' still greater scale.

Fig. Sis a fragmentary elevationaltsectional view'taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1. and drawnto al greater scale.

Fig. 6 is a' fragmentary elevational sectionaLview taken on line 6 5 of Fig. 1 andv drawn toa greater scale.

Fig. 7 is a wiring diagram of the invention;

Fig, 8 isa fragmentary 'elevationalisectionallView taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary end: elevational. view of the machine showing the brake and, transmission.

TheA invention comprises.;y a; feed:y mechanism-,A1y which is adapted to vreceive the.asets:offsheetsefrom` a; gathering PatentedA Feb. 19, 19,57

machine or other machine and which deposits the sheets in a repository B. In this repository the sets are stacked one upon the other to form a stack of the desired number of sets of` sheets. A counting mechanism C controls the number of sets stacked in the stack, and when the required number of sets has been stacked a delivery mechanism D, associated with the repository, 'delivers the stack to a magazine E. All these various mechanisms are mounted upon a framework F and operate in a manner to be presently described.

The framework F consists of four posts 10, 11, 12 and 13 and which are provided with feet 15 which rest upon the floor on which the machine is mounted. At the top of these posts is disposed a top frame 16. Below the said top frame is an intermediate frame 17 and at a locality spaced from the floor and below the frame 17 is a sub frame 18. The posts 10, 11, 12 and 13 are all constructed of channel stock and the frames 16 and 17 are similarly constructed. The frame 16 comprises two longitudinal frame members 20 and 21 and cross frame members 22 and 23. The intermediate frame 17 consists of two longitudinal frame members 24 and 25 which are arranged with the webs thereof in a vertical manner. These frame members have extending across,l theV same, intermediate the ends thereof, a transverse frame member 33. The sub frame 18 consists of longitudinai frame members 26 and 31, two transverse framel members 27 and 28, and two angularly `disposed longitudinally extending frame members 29 and 30. These latter frame members are secured to a vertical post 32 which in turn is secured to the cross frame member 33 of the intermediate frame 17.

The framework F further includes a frame extension 34 which lies in continuation of the top frame 16 and consists of two longitudinal frame members 35 and 36 issuing from the frame member 22 and having secured to them, at their outer ends, a transverse frame member 37. Two braces 38 extend between the transverse frame member 37 and the posts 10 and 12. In addition, another frame extension 39 is employed which consists of two longitudinal frame members 41 and 42 connected together at their outer ends by means of a transverse frame member 43. The frame-member 41 issues from the post 11 while the frame member 42 issues from a short transverse frame member 44 connected to the post 13. braces 45 which extend between the longitudinal frame members 41 and 42 and the frame member 28 of sub frame 1d. All of the various frame members of the framework. are welded together to form an integral and' rigid construction.

The feed mechanism A is supported by the frame eX- tension 34 and consists of arnurnber of belts 46, 47 and 4S' which pass over pulleys 49 mounted on a counter Shaft 51. This counter shaft is journaled in bearings attached to the transverse frame member 37. The said belts also pass over'pulleys 52 mounted on a shaft S3. Shaft 53 is similarly journaledy in bearings S4 attached tol the transverse frame member 22 of the upper frame 16.

To maintain the proper tension of the belts, belttightener pulleys 57" are employed which are mountedl upon a shaft 58. This shaft is journaled? in bearings 59 attached. to swinging. links. 61. These links in turn are pivoted` to-*bracltets 62 which in turn are secured to the transverse frame member 37. Suitable'means for holding` the belt tightener pulleys in proper position isalso provided but forming no particular feature of the instant invention and has not been shownin detail in the draw ings.

A TheA feedmechanismA is-.constantly driven. in` the: fol. lowingmanner: For thezpurposma countershaft' 10.8;y is

The frame extension 39 is braced by means of,

employed which is journaled in bearings 109 attached to a plate 111. which issue outwardly from the post 12 and from the cross frame member 22. The plate 111 has an extension 114 formed on the same and to which is secured two bearings 115, best shown in Fig. 2. These bearings journal a shaft 116 and which is connected to any suitable source of power such as a constantly driven shaft of the gathering machine with which the stacking machine is used. A bevel gear 117 mounted on the shaft 116 meshes with another bevel gear 118 on the shaft 108. This shaft has a sprocket wheel 119 on it and over which a chain 121 passes. Chain 121 also passes over a sprocket wheel 122 on shaft 53. By means of this construction the belts 46, 47 and 48 are continuously driven and the feed mechanism A caused to continuously feed the sets of sheets deposited on said belts from the gathering machine proper. rl'he particular gathering machine for which the herein disclosed invention was designed carries the sheets at a slight angle to maintain the jogging of the same and the various belts 46, 47 and 48 are arranged on a skew so as to deliver the sheets in a horizontal plane to the repository B.

The repository B is formed partially by the frame 16 and is disposed between the transverse frame members 22 and 23. This repository includes a number of rods 64 which are attached to a bracket 66 which in turn is secured to the posts and 12 at a locality between the frames 16 and 17. The said repository also includes four belts 67, 68, 69 and 70. These belts pass over pulleys 72 mounted on a transverse shaft 73 and over other pulleys 74 mounted on a transverse shaft 75. The shaft 73 is journaled in bearings 76 attached to the longitudinal frame members 24 and 25 of the intermediate frame 17. In like manner, the shaft 75 is mounted in bearings 77 attached to these same frame members. These bearings may slide relative to the bearings 76 and thus permit of adjusting the tension of the belts 67, 68, 69 and 70. The rods 64 and the upper runs of the belts 67, 68, 69 and 7) form the bottom of the repository A while one side of the repository is formed by a side plate 65 secured to the frame member 24 of frame 16. The other side and the ends of the repository are closed by means of construction to be presently described.

The magazine E is mounted on the frame extension 39 and includes four belts 78, 79, 80 and 81. These belts pass over pulleys 83 mounted on shaft 75 and over other pulleys 84 mounted on a counter shaft 85 disposed toward the end of the frame extension 39. Shaft 85 is journaled in bearings 86 which are adjustably secured to the longitudinal frame members 41 and 42 of frame extension 39. The magazine E further includes a backboard 87 secured to the end frame member 43 and sideboards 8S secured to the longitudinal frame members 41 and 42. Pulleys 83 are freely rotatable on shaft 75 and the belts 78, 79, 80 and 81 slope downwardly as shown in Fig. 2 so that the stack of sheets deposited thereon travels by gravity till it reaches the backboard 87.

For maintaining the sets in properly jogged stacks, two joggers 123 and 124 are employed and which engage the sets of sheets to move the same into proper vertical alignment. These joggers form part of the repository B and confine the sheets at the feed end and at the side opposite the side plate 65. These joggers will now be described in detail.

The jogger 123 is best shown in Figs. 1 and 5 and consists of a plate 125 which is attached to two plungers 126. The plungers 126 are mounted in sleeves 127 which are slidably mounted in bores 128 formed in two guides 130 and 131. These two yguides are bolted to a vertically extending plate 132 and which is attached to the posts 12 and 13 by means of struts 133. A shaft 134 is journaled in three bearings 135 which are attached to the plate 132. The sleeves 127 extend through the plate 132 and are formed at their ends with cam followers This plate is secured to struts 112 and 113' 136. These cam followers engage cams 137 secured to the shaft 134'. Springs 138 acting between the cam followers 136 and the plate 132 urge the cam follower 136 into engagement with the cams 137. The plungers 126 are adjustably supported in the sleeves 127 by means of set screws 139. By means of this construction, the plate 12S may be adjusted toward and from the stack to accommodate various sizes of paper sheets. The shaft 134 has mounted on the end of it a bevel gear 141 which meshes with a bevel gear 142 fast on thc shaft 108. It will be readily comprehended that since the shaft 108 is constantly driven by the shaft 116 that the shaft 134 is also constantly driven and causes the jogger plate 125 to move back and forth and engage the edges of the sheets deposited in the repository A and jog the same into register and against the side plate 65.

The jogger 124 is best shown in Fig. 6 and consists of a plate 143 attached to a hub 144. This hub is mounted on a rod 145 which is slidably mounted in a bore 146 formed in a guide 147. A set screw 148 screwed into the hub 144 holds the plate 143 adjustably mounted on the rod 145. The rod 145 has secured to the end of it a forked bearing 149 in which a roller 151 is journaled. This roller engages a cam 152 mounted on the shaft 108. The guide 147 is attached to the strut 113 which in turn is formed with a hanger 153 secured to the transverse frame member 22 of the frame 16. When the shaft 108 rotates, the plate 143 of the jogger is moved back and forth from the position shown in full and dotted lines of Fig. 6 and engages the paper and moves `the same toward a stop device 154, best shown in Fig. 4.

The stop device 154 is carried by a plate 156 attached to the frame member 24 of intermediate frame 17 by means of struts 160. This plate has a longitudinally extending slot 157 disposed along the upper portion of the same. A screw 158 extends through this slot and is screwed into a stud 159 and clamps the said stud firmly in position. This stud has secured to it at its inner end a bracket 161 and which has a depending arm 162 extending downwardly therefrom. The bracket 161 serves as a bearing for a shaft 163 which extends completely through'said bracket and through the slot 157 in plate vi156 and which has attached to the ends thereof two hubs 164. These hubs have lingers extending through the same and which are held attached to said hubs by means of set screws 165. A tension coil spring 166 engages the lower end of one of the fingers 155 and is anchored to the arm 162. This spring moves the fingers in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 4. This movement is limited by means of a stop 167 formed on the bracket 161 and which is engaged by one of the set screws 165. While the sets of sheets are being jogged by the jogger 124, the same are moved against the fingers 155 and which hold the sheets in properly jogged position. When the stack is to be moved by the delivery mechanism D to the magazine E, the fingers 155 are engaged by the stack and swung downwardly into the planes of the belts 67, 68, 69 and 70 to permit the stack to move over and pass the same.

The counter C may be of any desired construction such as is 'well known in the art and similar to that disclosed in Patents Nos. 2,128,715 and 2,489,474. This counter comprises a case 169 enclosing a toothed wheel diagrammatically indicated in Fig. 7 by the reference numeral 238. For the sake of illustration, this wheel is indicatedy in Fig. 7 as operated by a dog 242 mounted on an arm 241. Arm 241 is secured to a shaft 168 which projects outwardly of the case 169 and has attached to it an arm 171 and which on being depressed operates thc said shaft and ratchet mechanism. The wheel 238 has an adjustably positioned cam 239 on it which is adapted to close a normally open switch 176 which has been referred to as the motor starting switch. It will be readily understood, however, that such construction is only diagrammatically illustrated and that the reversing mechanism, vsetting devices and other .parts ordinarily utilized with such construction are employed and that the counter functions in the customary manner. Case 169r is mounted on a plate 170 attached to frame members 26 and 31 of frame 18. Immediately above the said shaft is a solenoid 172 which is mounted on a standard 173 secured to the frame member 27'. This solenoid has a plunger 174 which is connected by means of a link 175 to the end of the arm 171. The plunger 174 is normally in a lower position and when actuated moves upwardly and swings arm 171 upwardly to rotate the shaft 168 in a direction to give to the toothed wheel 238 of the counter a step-by-step movement. In accordance with the usual functioning ofl the counter the switch 176 is closed when the mechanism of the counter has been operated a predetermined number of times corresponding with the setting of indicators on the counter provided forvthe purpose.

For operating delivery mechanism D, an electric motor 89 is employed which is mounted on a plate 91 attached to the two longitudinal frame members 26 andSl of sub frame 18. This motor has an armature shaft 92 on which is mounted a pulley 93. A belt 94 passes over this pulley and over another pulley 95 mounted on a drive shaft 97V forming part of a worm gear reduction transmission 96, This transmission is also mounted on the plate 91- and has a driven shaft 98 extending at right angles to the shaft 97. A chain 99passes over a sprocket 101 on shaft 98 and over another sprocket .102 mountedi on a counter shaft 103. Counter shaft 103 is johrnaled. in two bearings 104 and 105. Bearing. 104, is secured to a plate 106 welded to the post 32 while bearing 105-issecured toa bracket 107 mounted on the longitudinal frame member 31.

The delivery mechanism D includes a chain 177 which passes over a sprocket 178. on shaft 75 and over another sprocket 179 on shaft 73. The said. chainfurther passes over sprocket 181. on shaft 103. and is driven thereby. When the shaft 103 is set in operation, sprockets 178 and 179 cause rotation of the shafts 75` and 73 andcause thel belts67, 68, 69. and 70 of the repository B to travel in unison. The chain 177 has three fingers 182 attached thereto and projecting upwardly therefrom. Foreach operation ofthe motor 89, the. chain 177 causes the particularrnger in back of the stack resting on the beltsk67, 68, 69 and 70 of the repository B to travelwith the saidbelts. This finger' prevents tippingy of.y the stack and. pushes the stack from the belts of the repositoryv to the belts of the magazine whereby the stack ispositively transferredv from therepository to the magazine.

For the purpose of stopping the motor 8,9 at a denite position. and to prevent overriding of the parts driven thereby, a brake 183, best shown inFig. 9, is employed. This brake includes a brake drum 184 which is mounted on theshaft 97 and. which. may, if desired, form apart of the pulley 95.- Cooperating with this'brake drumv are two brake shoes 185 which are adjustably attached to levers 186. and 187. Levers 186. and 187 are pivoted to lugs 188 whichissue from a support 189 which is at-` tachedto the plate 91 supporting motor 89. Extending upwardly fromthe support 189 and opposite the end ofshaft97-is abracket 191. Thisbracket has pivoted to it alever,1,92-whichhasy an upwardly extending arm 193, a downwardly extending arm 194,. and a horizontally extendingr arm 195. The upper end of the lever 186 is pivoted-to a link 196. which in turn is pivoted to `arm 19,4 of lever 192 while the upper end of lever 187 yisupivotedvby means of a link. 19710 the arm 193. Itwill readily be comprehended that when the .arm 19S is movedupwardly that the two brake shoes 185 are forced against the Vdrum 184 and brake the movement ofthe shaft97. For operatingthe brake, 183,-l asolenoid 19,8.,is employed which is mounted on a shelf 199 attached to the plate 91. The shelf199 restson two angie: frame members 203:` which in turn. rest upon; the plate 91. Screws 201 passk through a flange 202 formed on support 89, the shelf 199, the frame members 203 and are screwed into the plate 91 to secure the parts together. The angle frame members 203 also form a support for the transmission 96. The solenoid 198 has a plunger 204 which is adapted to be moveddownwardly upon energization of said solenoid. The said plunger has a threaded rod 205 extending upwardly therefrom` and which passes through the outer end of arm 195. A nut 206 and a lock nut 207 mounted on the said rod serve to control the proper positioning of the brake shoes for release. The arm 195 is urged upwardly by means of a compression coil spring 208 which is mounted on a rod 209 secured to the solenoid 198 and passing through the arm 195.

The invention includes a resetting switch mechanism 211 which may be of any suitable construction. This switch is diagrammatically indicated in Fig. 7 and com-l prises two switches 251 and 252 mounted in a case 212. Switch 251 has been referred to as a locking switch and switch 252 as a motor stopping switch. Case 212 is attached to an angle frame member 213 which is secured to post 10 and to post 32. The said switch mechanism has a shaft 214 for operating the said switches and which extends outwardly through case 212. An arm 216 is attached to shaft 214. and carries a roller 217, bearing against apcam 215 secured to shaft 103. Resilient means withinv the case 212, and not shown, urges the roller 217 into yengagement with cam 215. The movable switch elements of the switches251 and 252 are mounted on a rod.y 257 operated by a lever 253 secured to shaft 214. These elements are so situated that switch 252 is closed when switchv 251 is opened and vice versa and so that neither switch opens till the other has been closed. The parts are soarranged that switch 252 is closed and switch 251v is open when the roller 217 is on the high part of cam 215 andvice versa when on the low part.

The electrical-circuits and device for controlling and actuating the various elements of the invention are shown diagrammatically in Fig. 7. In this figure motor 89 is shown as having an armature 218 mounted on the armature shaft 92. Associated'with said armature is a winding 219 which causes propulsion of the said armature. For starting the motor, a motor relay 221 is employed which has; a coil 222 land twoy switches 22.3 and 224. The switches 223and 224 areadapted to be moved into closing position bymeans of the core 227 of the coily 222 and are returned to open position by resilient means not shown. The motor is energized by a line 228v having conductors 229 and 230. Conductor 230 is connected to switch 223 while conductor 229 is connected to switch 224. The switches 223 and 224. are further connected by means of conductors 232Y and 233 to the ends of the winding 219 of motor 89. It will readily be comprehendedthat when the relay 221 is actuated by energizing the coil Z22-thereof that the motor is energized and set into motion.

The solenoid 198 which operates the brake 183 is connected by meansof conductors 234 and 235 to the conductors 252 and 233 which energize the motor winding 219. The-said motor and brake solenoid are hence in parallel and operate in unison upon the operation of relay 221. When the said switch is closed, the solenoid 193 draws the plunger 205 thereof inwardly and releases therbrake183 permitting the transmission driving the parts of the invention to function.

The manner ofconnecting counter C has been indicated in Fig. 7. A kicker switch 243 is used to control the operation of the solenoid 172 and is attached to an upright 24.4V secured to theframe member 35 of frame extension 34. This switch has a finger 244 which is disposed in the line of travel of the sets of sheets traveling along the belts v46, 47 and 48 ofthe feed mechanism A. Movement of finger 244 closes the switch 243. This switch is connected by means of a conductor 247 to the conductor 229 of line 228. Said switch is further connected by means of a conductor 248 to the solenoid 172. Solenoid 172 is again connected by means of a conductor 249 to the conductor 230 of line 228. It will be readily comprehended that as the kicker switch 243 is closed, solenoid 172 is energized and the rotary member 238 of the counting mechanism C given a step-by-step movement.

ln conjunction with the resetting switch mechanism 211, a time controlled relay 25S is employed which has a coil 259 and a switch 261. This coil has a core 264 which is connected to and operates the switch 261. The relay 258 is so constructed that switch 261 is closed when the coil 259 of the relay is energized.

The switch mechanism 211 and the relay 258 are connected in the various circuits in which they function by means of the following conductors: Coil 259 of relay 258 is connected by means of a conductor 265 to the conductor 230 of line 228. The other end of the coil of this relay is connected by means of a conductor 266 to switch. 252 of the switch mechanism 211. Said switch is further connected by means of a conductor 267 to the conductor 229 of line 228. Switch 261 of relay 25S is connected bymeans of a conductor 268 to conductor 249 which in turn is connected to conductor 230 of line 228. Said switch is further connected by means of a conductor 269 to the switch 251 of switching mechanism 211. Switch 251 of this switch mechanism is further connected by means of a conductor 271 to the conductor 268 and thus to the conductor 230 of line 22S. The switch 176 of the counter C is connected by means of a conductor 272 to the conductor 269 previously referred to.

The operation of the invention is as follows:

Shaft 116 is continuously driven from a driven part of the gathering machine or from another electric motor, not shown. and feeds the sets of sheets received from the gathering machine and deposits them in the repository B as the said sheets are received. During the time the stack is being formed in the repository B the parts of the invention are positioned as shown in the drawings. Coil 222 of motor relay 221 is at such time deenergized and switches 223 and 224 open and switch 176 is open. The locking switch 25jL of switching mechanism 211 is also open at such time but the motor stopping switch 252 is closed. As to the resetting relay 25S, the coil 259 is energized and switch 261 is closed. The current in the circuit controlling coil 259 flows from conductor 230 of line 228 through conductor 265, through said coil, through conductor 266, through switch 252 and through conductor 267 to the other conductor 229 of line 228. As each set passes along the feed mechanism, the kicker switch 243 is actuated and the rotary member 23S of the counter C given a step-by-step movement through the action of solenoid 172. When the cam 239 engages the switch 176, the said switch is closed and a circuit is established through the coil 222 of the motor relay 221. This circuit may be traced from conductor 229 through said coil, through conductor 273, through switch 176, through conductor 272 and to the conductor 269. The current then flows from the conductor through switch 261 and through the conductor 268 to the conductor 230 of line 228. This closes switches 223 and 224 and circuits are established through the winding 219 of motor 89 and through the solenoid 193. The solenoid immediately releases brake 183 and the winding 219 causes rotation of the shaft 103. Cam 215 now commences to rotate. As the roller 217 approaches the inner part of cam 215, the switch 251 closes and subsequently the switch 252 opens. As previously stated. switch 251 closes before switch 252 opens so that at all times one or the other of said switches is closed. As soon as the switc 251 closes, the circuit `through switch 252 is opened and relay 253 drops out opening the circuit through switch 261. However, switch 251 being closed and paralleling the switch 261 maintains the circuit closed through coil 222 of the motor relay 221. The motor, hence, continues to operate with the relay 258 still dropped out. A-s the roller 217 reaches the outer portion of cam 215, switch 252 again closes and establishes the circuit through coil 259, and said coil 259 is again energized. However, the relay 258 is a time delayed relay and the switch 261 does not immediately close. The circuit, through coil 222, is hence broken and the motor 81 stops, and the brake 183 is actuated through spring 298 to arrest the movement of shaft 103. While the circuit is still open through switch 261, the counter C upon actuation beyond the selected number of cycles is reset and the switch 176 is opened. Thereafter, the circuit through switch 261 is closed when the lapse of sufficient time has occurred for the time controlled mechanism of the switch to operate. The parts are now reset and the mechanism is ready to again operate when the required number of sets of sheets have been deposited on the stack in the repository B.

The advantages of the invention are manifest. The machine is yfully automatic so that all that is required is the removal of the completed stacks from the magazine. Any number of sets of sheets may be deposited in each stack. The machine is designed to operate rapidly so that the stack is removed from the repository prior to the feeding of the following set of sheets so that no count is lost. The machine is simple in construction and can be built at a reasonable price. The error usually occurring in counting out the sets of sheets by operators is eliminated. The machine will operate as quickly as the gathering machine so that no interruption in the operation of the gathering machine occurs.

Changes in the specific form of the invention, as herein described, may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is:

1. 1n a stacking machine a repository for sheets of material, a feed mechanism disposed adjacent said repository and feeding sheets to said repository and depositing them upon one another to form a stack in said repository, a magazine disposed adjacent said repository and receiving the completed stack, delivery mechanism including a movable member movable in said repository and engaging the sheets and transferring the same to the magazine, a normally inactive electric motor, power transmission elements between said motor and said delivery mechanism and causing operation thereof, a kicker switch operated by the movement of sheets prior to arrival at the repository, a counter including a rotatable member, a circuit controlled by said kicker switch and giving to said rotatable member a step-by-step movement, a motor starting switch operated by said rotatable member after a predetermined number of operations of said kicker switch, a motor circuit including said motor starting switch and motor, a normally closed motor stop ping switch in said motor circuit, control means operated by said transmission for opening said motor stopping switch after energization of the motor, a resetting relay having a coil and a resetting switch, said resetting switch and said resetting coil being connected in said motor circuit, a locking switch means controlled by said transmission for operating said locking switch, said locking switch paralleling said resetting switch, said locking switch operating in conjunction with said motor stopping switch and being movable to close upon opening of the motor starting switch, said locking switch closing before the opening of the motor closing switch, said resetting relay closing the resetting switch upon energization of the coil thereof and time controlled means for maintaining said resetting relay switch open for a predetermined length of time during opening of the motor starting switch and means for resetting said counter and openingsaid motor starting switch during the timing of said resetting relay.

2. In a stacking machine a repository for sheets of material, a feed mechanism disposed adjacent said repository and feeding sheets to said repository and depositing them upon one another to form a stack in said repository, a magazine disposed adjacent said repository and receiving the completed stack, delivery mechanism including a movable member movable in said repository and engaging the sheets and transferring the same to the magazine, a normally inactive electric motor, power transmission elements between said motor and said delivery mechanism and causing operation thereof, a kicker switch operated by the movement of sheets prior to arrival at the repository, a counter including a rotatable member, a circuit controlled by said kicker switch and giving to said rotatable member a step-by-step movement, a motor starting switch operated by said rotatable member after a predetermined number of operations of said kicker switch, a motor circuit including said motor starting switch and motor, a normally closed motor stopping switch in said motor circuit, a locking switch connected to and operable with said motor stopping switch, control means operated by said transmission for simultaneously operating said motor stopping switch and said locking switch, said locking switch opening upon closing of said motor switch and closing upon opening of said motor stopping switch and said locking switch closing before the motor starting switch opens, a resetting relay having a coil and a resetting switch both connected in series in motor circuit, said control means opening said motor stopping switch after energization of said motor and deenergizing said resetting relay and opening said resetting switch, said locking switch being connected in parallel with said resetting switch and maintaining said motor circuit closed during movement of the motor stopping switch to normal position, said motor starting switch opening upon the motor stopping switch reaching normal position and again energizing the resetting relay coil and time controlled means for delaying the closing of the resetting switch while the motor starting switch is being opened.

3. In a stacking machine, a repository for sheets of material comprising a plurality of substantially horizontally spaced movable belts, a feed mechanism disposed at the feed end of the belts and feeding sheets to said belts and depositing the same upon one another to form a stack upon said belts, a counter, actuating means engaged by the sheets in their travel to said repository and connected to said counter and operating said counter, a magazine disposed adjacent said repository, delivery mechanism including a transmission providing a drive for said repository belts, a normally inactive motor connected to said transmission Jfor operating the same said `counter controlling the actuation of said motor, means for deenergizing said motor upon delivery of said stack and a brake operated by said transmission and terminating movement of said motor when said transmission reaches normal position.

4. In a stacking machine, a repository for sheets of material, a feed mechanism disposed adjacent said repository and feeding sheets to said repository and depositing them upon one another to form a stack in said repository, a magazine disposed adjacent said repository and receiving the completed stack, delivery mechanism including a movable member movable in said repository and engaging the sheets and transferring the same to the magazine, a normally inactive electric motor, power transmission elements between said motor and said delivery mechanism and causing operation thereof, a kicker switch operated by the movement of sheets prior to arrival at the repository, a counter including a rotatable member, a circuit controlled by said kicker switch and giving to said rotatable member a step-by-step movement, a motor starting relay including a motor starting switch operated by said rotatable member after a predetermined number of operations of said kicker switch, a spring actuated brake engaging a rotating part driven by the motor, and normally restraining operation of the motor, a solenoid acting on said brake and upon energization releasing said brake, a brake switch operated by said motor starting relay, normally open when the motor is deenergized, a circuit including said brake switch and solenoid and serving upon energization of said relay to release said brake, control means operated by said transmission for deenergizing said relay and means for resetting the parts after delivery of the stack by said repository.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,494,339 Clauberg May 20, 1924 1,780,716 Otis Nov. 4, 1930 2,255,297 Paxton Sept. 9, 1941 2,332,863 Luehrs Oct. 26, 1943 2,414,059 Powers Ian. 7, 1947 2,424,093 Harred July 15, 1947 2,606,483 Forbes Aug. 12, 1952 2,641,974 Sperling et al. June 16, 1953 

